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June, 2025 Sudbury, Ontario - Working at heights is common in many industries, whether on roofs, scaffolding, ladders, or other raised work platforms. However, working at height presents a major workplace hazard–the risk of falling. Falls from elevation can result in serious injuries and fatalities. In Canada, over 44,000 workers suffer fall-related injuries annually. Understanding fall distance is crucial for implementing proper fall prevention and protection measures.

Fall distance refers to the total vertical distance a worker travels during a fall before a fall arrest system stops the fall. The greater the fall distance, the higher the risks and potential impact forces on the worker's body. Factors such as the height of the elevated work surface, any pendulum-like swing during the fall, and even reaction time to activate safety gear can all increase fall distance.

Precautionary measures should be taken to minimise total fall distance. Proper calculation of potential fall distance can inform the appropriate selection and configuration of fall protection systems. For example, fall arrest systems must be rigged to ensure adequate clearance below the work surface to arrest the fall before the worker strikes the ground or other objects. Accurately estimating fall distance can be a matter of life, serious injury, or even in some cases, death.

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April, 2025 Sudbury, Ontario - Hands are among the most frequently injured body parts on the job, making hand protection a top priority in workplace safety. In fact, hand injuries are the second most common type of workplace injury (second only to back injuries). These injuries aren’t just numbers; they carry real consequences for workers and businesses.

Each incident can be costly – estimates show each hand injury can cost anywhere from $540 to $26,000 in direct and indirect expenses (severe cases like tendon severances averaging tens of thousands of dollars.) The good news is that many of these injuries are preventable. According to one BLS study, 70% of workers who suffered hand injuries were not wearing gloves, and the other 30% were wearing gloves but either the wrong type or in poor condition.

Wearing the right cut-resistant gloves drastically reduces cut risks, but they must be worn to work. Gloves left in pockets offer zero protection. Cut-level hand protection includes gloves and sleeves designed to resist cuts, rated by cutting force they can withstand. Safety managers should choose the right gloves, ensure workers wear them, and foster a culture valuing hand safety. This guide covers essential insights on cut-level hand protection.

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